Wash

He listened, but everything had gone completely still. “The tent’s probably flapping again. It’s been doing it all night.”

“I swore I heard something, and it wasn’t the tent. Maybe it’s an elephant or a lion. What if it’s a rhino? All that separates us from those dangerous predators is a flimsy wall of brown fabric.”

A smile grew across his face. “If you’re that worried, lie next to me. I’ll keep you safe.”

I slugged him. “Get that silly grin off your face. I swear I heard something. I assure you I’m not just trying to get in your…uh, sleeping bag.”

He stared at me. “You’re shaking. You’re really scared to death?”

I let out a long breath. “Yeah.”

“Bring your sleeping bag over here. I promise to be a perfect gentleman.”

“I’d rather be eaten by whatev

er is out there than come anywhere near you!”

“Ouch,” he said, sitting up.

When I realized he wasn’t wearing a shirt, I was taken aback. In fact, I was relatively certain he was completely naked inside his sleeping bag. Jake always slept naked, and being in a jungle hadn’t changed him.

“Put on some clothes, Jake,” I said, turning around to give him some privacy.

“Why?” he asked. “Whatever it was, our voices must’ve scared it off.”

I listened intently. “You’re right. I think it’s gone.”

“I’ll go take a quick look so you have peace of mind.”

“That would make me feel a whole lot safer,” I said, daring a peek over my shoulder when I heard him rustling around in the tent. “Are you dressed yet?”

“Yes, but what if I wasn’t? You would’ve gotten a sneak peek, looking at me like that—a real, uh…sensual peek.”

“Please don’t sleep naked on this trip,” I said.

“You used to love it.”

“If you could abide by my wishes, that’d be fantastic.”

“Who do you think you are, the African queen or something? I hate wearing clothes at night.”

I rolled my eyes. “Why are you making everything so hard? You said yourself that we’re just friends, so trying acting like one. None of my other friends sleep in the nude around me.”

“Not even Nadia? That might be kinda hot,” he joked.

“Shut up, Jake,” I said, not finding the humor in it.

“I apologize, Highness, but I can’t sleep in clothes.”

“Listen, I’m a little freaked right now, okay?” I said, turning toward the tent exit. “Your striptease isn’t exactly helping me right now.”

He suddenly touched my shoulder. His soft touch electrified me, and a jolt raced straight for my heart. “It’s okay,” he breathed into my ear, his voice as soft and husky as his alluring, manly aroma.

“I’m fine,” I said, turning from him.

He began to rub the hard knots in my shoulders, something he used to do to calm me down. I found it almost impossibly difficult to concentrate with his big arms wrapped around me. Damn, he smells good. His hands caressed the hollow of my back as he whispered my name in my ear. I yearned to feel my body pressed closer to his rock-hard, muscular frame. I closed my eyes. His touch was like magic. Then, suddenly, I was snapped back into reality. I didn’t want him touching me. We were barely friends and nothing more. Biting my lip, I tore away from him.

“Ashly…” he said.